by Cosimo Baldi

The Journey of Francesco Tolotta

How can we find the courage to looking for new ideas in a persistent damaged world?

Who, in the darkness, can sees the colors?

To find answers to these questions, the fashion industry has always strived, and a striking example of the answer can be found in the projects of the emerging designer Francesco Tolotta.

Tolotta finds his roots in a decidedly artistic background, particularly in painting and illustration.

“I wanted to find an outlet that wasn’t just painting or drawing” he says.

His personal brand, Tolo, started as a custom-made project from the artistic background of the designer himself, which also results in a constant attention to details and chromaticism in an urban blend of military and outdoor style, with a persistent focus on environmental impact that leads to a conscious choice of fabrics and attention to quantity to best respect both man and nature.

This search for a new means of expression led him to fashion, where he discovered a perfect platform to combine his love for color and form with the functionality of garments.

Indeed, chromatic research has always been the core of his projects. Tolotta approaches fashion creation with the same sensitivity as a painter, seeking harmony between tones, contrasts, and textures. This meticulous search for chromatic and material balance is evident in all his projects, making each garment not just a piece of clothing but a true work of art.

The Calabrian designer began his journey into fashion graduating in Florence in 2022. His various independent projects are decidedly attention-grabbing, consolidating his position as a highly promising designer who definetely deserving attention.

His latest capsule collection, titled Stalker, is inspired by Andrei Tarkovsky’s cult movie, a cinematic masterpiece that confront themes of exploration and mystery in post-apocalyptic environments. In today’s culture, the term “stalker” is almost associated with Urbex, people who guide tourists to visit abandoned or forbidden places, with one of the most famous examples being the explorers of Chernobyl, the Ukrainian location sadly known for the tragic nuclear accident happened in 1986.

Tolotta has been able to transpose this cinematic and cultural inspiration into a concrete dimension, creating a collection that merge apocalyptic and military elements with futuristic and high-tailoring details. The result is a series of garments that summon a sense of adventure and mystery, combining sturdy materials and rich textures with striking colors, in a decidedly pop and street atmosphere. This fusion of styles is reflected in his ability to unite his passion for painting with fashion, maintaining a design he describes as a “mountain-man like style”.

Each piece in the collection reflects his artistic experience, his passion for exploration, and his ability to transform fabrics and materials into untamed illustrations.

What stands out strong as the garments are the accessories, also products of Tolotta’s ingenuity. Every look in the “Stalker” collection is enriched with unique accessories that complete and transform the outfit. From futuristic glasses to recycled bags, each piece tells a kind of story and adds depth to the overall concept of the collection. These accessories are not just complements but true additions that reflect the designer’s aesthetic and philosophy.

With a combination of cinematic inspirations, urban influences, and a decidedly attentive eye to every technical detail, Tolotta has created a series of looks that are innovative, functional, and profoundly significant. His ability to create not only clothes but also unique accessories sets him apart as a designer to watch.

In June 2024, during the SS Style event organized by Kering for Pitti Uomo, Francesco Tolotta once again demonstrated his extraordinary talent and ability to break boundaries with his new project.

This unique piece is a brilliant example of how Tolotta knows how to combine technical functionality with elegant aesthetics, creating pieces that are both innovative and sophisticated.

The project presented by Tolotta is a garment that cleverly merges technical elements with an almost elegant silhouette, with the upper part being a technical garment perfect for both a fashion show and a climb, and the lower part reminiscent of a classical mermaid dress shape.

Made from technical olive green fabric, the garment features a padded upper part, similar to a jacket, providing protection and comfort, while the lower part extends into a long, sinuous tail evoking the refinement of evening gowns.

The entire look was created using recycled polyester from degraded plastic packaging, obtained thanks to the support and collaboration of NGOs from both the islands bathed by the sea and the mountains touched by clouds.

What makes this garment truly remarkable is the creativity with which Tolotta has integrated a functional accessory like the backpack directly into the design of the garment itself. The backpack, sewn on the back of the jacket, not only adds a practical element but becomes an integral part of the overall aesthetic. This choice is not just an example of innovative design but also reflects a deep understanding of modern needs, where practicality and style must coexist harmoniously.

As a lover of motorcycles, hiking, and travel, Tolotta often incorporates these influences into his designs. His passion for exploring abandoned places and the wild nature is reflected in many of his creations, which exude a sense of freedom and adventure.

This connection with nature and adventure manifests itself not only in the aesthetics of his garments but also in their functionality. Tolotta designs clothes that are not only beautiful to look at but also practical and comfortable to wear, ideal for those who share his love for the outdoors and exploration.

Through his projects, Tolotta is particularly interested in exploring new technologies and sustainable materials, aiming to create garments that are not only beautiful and functional but also environmentally friendly.

The designer represents a new generation that knows how to combine art, fashion, and sustainability in a harmonious and innovative way. His ability to draw inspiration from his personal life and translate these experiences into unique and meaningful garments is what makes his work so fascinating and promising. With his continuous search for balance between aesthetics and functionality and his commitment to sustainable practices, Tolotta is destined to leave a unique and lasting mark.